Coleman will become the Rebels’ fifth captain while Kareroa will make history as the Rebels Women’s inaugural captain for the first season of the newly established Super W national competition.

Coleman, who follows in the footsteps of Stirling Mortlock (2011-12), Gareth Delve (2013), Scott Higginbotham (2014-15) and Nic Stirzaker (2016-17), will be supported by wider Club Captain Tom English – who will assume an off-field club leadership role.

The 26-year-old Test lock, who’s played 48 Super Rugby games and made 20 international appearances for the Wallabies, has leadership pedigree as the son of former Tongan international rugby captain Pau’u Afeaki.

“It’s a priviledge to be named Rebels captain and I’m grateful to Dave and the team for giving me the opportunity,” Coleman said.

“This is an exciting time at our club, and our goal is to make the people of Melbourne proud. We know we have a have a lot of work to do but everyone is really getting on-board and committing to it.

“Tom and I want to lead by pushing our own standards of performance and preparation – and trying to be the best we can be for the team.”

Melbourne Rebels Head Coach Dave Wessels said that Coleman has naturally gravitated to the role since his arrival at the Rebels and will be support by English to bring the club’s values to life.

“I’ve seen Adam grow over the last couple of years into a genuine world-class lock and leader,” Wessels said.

“He’s a very driven guy and a tough competitior. But most of all he wants to win and is prepared to work hard to achieve it. He should be very proud of the leader he’s become.

“Tom has been with our club a long time. The history, community and people behind the club are important to him and he’s already leading us by setting performance standards, behaviours and values to help deliver success to the Rebels and Victorians.”

Rebels Women’s captain Jayne Kareroa, a Moorabbin Rams representative, briefly crossed codes last year to represent the Cook Islands at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup before a return to the Rebels Women for the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens and upcoming Super W.

Kareroa will get her first opportunity to captain the Rebels Women this weekend when she leads her side onto Suncorp Stadium for the inaugural women’s competition at the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens as preparations continue for the Super W.

“I’m excited and honoured to be named captain for such a big year for women’s rugby with the introduction of the women’s competition at Brisbane Global Rugby Tens and launch of Super W ,” Kareroa said.

Rebels Womens Head Coach Alana Thomas said: “Jayne is a player that has fantastic vision on field, is big on team culture and ensuring that the team is together.

“She has a nurturing manner about her when it comes to players off the field, this could be due to her being a mother.

“She has grown as a leader and her experience in the Rugby League World Cup has surely enhanced those skills.”

The Melbourne Rebels will kick-off its 2018 Super Rugby campaign at home against the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park on Friday 23 February from 7.30pm (AEDT).